Rep. Burnett's search and rescue funding measure heads to Senate

OLYMPIA — The Washington state House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation that would provide financial assistance to local law enforcement aviation support units.

House Bill 1969, sponsored by freshman legislator Rep. Brian Burnett, R-Wenatchee, directs the Military Department to develop and implement a Law Enforcement Aviation Support Grant Program to fund rotary wing aviation units that assist with search and rescue operations across jurisdictions.

Burnett brings significant law enforcement experience to the legislature, having served over 25 years in law enforcement, including 12 years as the elected Chelan County Sheriff. He held significant leadership positions during his tenure, such as serving as the Past President of the Washington Association of Sheriff and Police Chiefs (WASPC) and the Washington State Sheriffs Association (WSSA).

"We've got to do more to keep our sheriff's offices financially viable. As the search and rescue operations that fall within the purview of the local sheriff's office continue to increase, so does the drain on resources," said Burnett. "We have a handful of counties providing aviation support to other jurisdictions that request it during times of need. As a result, the taxpayers of those counties are subsidizing rescue efforts in other counties."

The bill, subject to appropriations, would provide no-cost aviation support to jurisdictions when aircraft are available.

"When a call comes in for a search and rescue operation, time is of the essence, obviously," said Burnett. "We just go. There's not even a thought about expenses or who's paying for what. If you have the aircraft available, you just go. Hopefully, the rescue is successful and lives are saved.

"But at some point, the bill comes due. With the increasing population growth and tourist activities up and down the I-90 corridor, resources can be quickly spent and overwhelmed," said Burnett.

Currently, only four counties in Washington provide aviation support: Chelan, King, Snohomish, and Spokane. The grant program would help cover maintenance, fuel, parts, and training expenses for these units.

"A dedicated fund for helicopter rescue units will help keep pace with the growing demand for high-altitude and specialty rescues that require immediate air support," said Burnett. "We need to preserve the ability to share our helicopters for those jurisdictions that request our help. But we also need to keep the program viable and even grow it."

The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.